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Abu Dhabi, Mussafah: Konkani Community of St. Paul’s Catholic Church Mussafah, Abu Dhabi bid farewell to their beloved Spiritual Director Rev. Fr. Ashok Gonsalves OFM. Cap.  on Friday 10th of November 2017 at the end of his tenure as Assistant Parish Priest of St. Paul’s church.   Immediately after the 6 pm Konkani Mass, the Konkani community has arranged a farewell party and over 400 people attended the mass and then for the cultural programme and prayed for his future mission.

Immediately after the Holy Mass, the Master of the Ceremony Mr. Suresh Saldanha has requested all Priests and members of Apex committee to join Fr. Ashok in a procession to lead him to dais. During the procession, all attendees stood up and showed their love and respect to Fr. Ashok. A small Cultural Programme arranged immediately after the procession first with Prayer dance. Konkani Community Chief Coordinator Robert Pinto welcomed all guests attending this function and requested the Priests come on to stage for felicitation including Rev. Fr. Paul Koenig OFM Cap. Kustos, AVOSA, Rev. Fr. Valerian Fernandes OFM Cap., Chancellor AVOSA, Rev. Fr. Ani Xavier, OFM Cap, Parish Priest,  Rev. Eugene Matioli, OFM Cap; Asst. Parish Priest,  Rev. Fr. Biju OFM Cap, Asst. Parish Priest.  In his welcome speech, he praised Fr. Ashok for his astute leadership quality, dedication and   commitment for the welfare of the community.  He stressed that Konkani community will miss him en-masse and the vacuum created by his absence will be felt and will be difficult to fill. He also commended that he has taken the Konkani community of Mussafah  to a different level within a short span of 2 years.

Maria Pereira, Asst. Treasurer of Apex committee read the Maan potr highlighting his background and all the achievement during his  period. Rev. Fr. Valerian Fernandes, honored him with shawl and spoke high about him.  Konkani Apex Team Members gave a flower bouquet and a photo album as a memoir.  All Priest spoke about Fr. Ashok and his contribution to the Catholic Church in general and for Konkani community and African community in particular as he was also the spiritual director for African Community. A huge cake was cut as a token of love and appreciation by all Priest and members of Apex Committee.

Choir sang a farewell song, lyrics of which were given by Mr. Suresh Saldanha and music composed by Ashwin Dias. A fusion dance was performed by Mussafah youngsters who were given rousing applause by the gathering. Members of all Apex team presented a Memento as a token of Love and Appreciation for the services he has rendered to the Konkani community.

 In his farewell speech, Fr. Ashok appreciated the Konkani community and the support he has received from them. He also mentions that how much he will miss their love and affection.  He assured his prayer to them and stressed to keep unity within community which will further strengthen them.

Finally, the Apex Committee Treasurer, John D’Lima cast the vote of thanks and Rev. Fr. Paul Koenig ended the function with final blessings to the gathering. At the end, snacks and juices were distributed to all the people who attended the function.